Aza Lineage – Roots Daawta
Dub Rockers/VP Records – digital, Vinyl
Text: Volker Barsch
Some of the finest reggae albums of the 2010s and 2020s have emerged from the combination of a young, exceptionally talented female roots singer and a veteran producer/engineer. Notable examples include New Name by Jah9 & Rory Stonelove (2013), Unconquerebel by Hempress Sativa & Scientist (2017), In the Midst of the Storm by Jah9 & Mad Professor (2017), One Love Vibration by Mo’ Kalamity & Sly & Robbie (2018), Windrush Baby by Aleighcia Scott & Rory Stonelove (2023), and Shine by Mo’ Kalamity & Sidney Mills (2024).
The collaboration between Aza Lineage and King Jammy is another stroke of good fortune. Over the past decade, the self-proclaimed Rebel Daawta has attracted considerable attention through countless live performances in true sound system style (including an appearance at the RIDDIM party in the Roots Center at Summerjam), a string of high-profile singles, and a spectacular tour of Japan. The fearless, street-smart Kingston native also had the audacity to station herself beneath a mango tree next to Jammy’s headquarters in Waterhouse uninvitedly and serenade him with her anthem “Sound System”. According to the press release, she didn’t even make it past the first chorus before the great master waved her into the studio, declaring: “Yeah man, pull up, ya bad!!”
Although the outstanding “Sound System,” voiced over the legendary “Far East” riddim, was released seven years ago, it naturally earns its place on Aza’s debut album, alongside the smoker’s delight “One Draw” (2023) and the sweetly uplifting “Chikiwawawoi” (2025). Surprisingly, however, the cool Jammy tribute “Dancehall Dadda” (2021) is nowhere to be found.
Across the rest of the album, Aza Lineage rides Jammy’s timelessly fresh roots, early dancehall, and rub-a-dub riddims as though she had witnessed his golden era in the 1980s firsthand. Alongside “Rebels in Town” and “Rule the Sound,” two more anthem-like smash tunes, the album’s standout moments include its guest appearances: the powerful three-way combination “No Vagabond” featuring Jesse Royal and Brandon Rootz, and the superb “A Rub-a-Dub or Two” with living legend Johnny Osbourne.
The ten most roots-oriented tracks made it onto the vinyl edition. The digital version adds a Lone Ranger intro and six further songs that all explore the lovers segment of the reggae spectrum. Sometimes Aza adopts a classic singer’s approach, as on “Can’t Live For Yourself”; elsewhere she blends rap and R&B influences, as on “Love You Too Much”; and on “Baby” she delivers a beautifully soulful falsetto in the chorus. Even on these love songs, Aza Lineage, King Jammy, and the musicians involved (Andre “Spyda” Dennis, I Sax, Brandon Rootz, Steely & Clevie, Sherida Sharp, Mitch Di Singa, and Chinnas High Times Band) remain effortlessly in the groove, allowing Rebel Daawta to function as an organic whole regardless of which version you choose.
There is only one minor point of criticism: the album mix of “Sound System” has been slightly softened by flatter basslines and unnecessary saxophone embellishments, almost as if VP ultimately lacked the courage to present the Rebel Daawta with a roots sound that was simply too raw.
Aside from this small detail, Aza Lineage has delivered an excellent album—one that firmly places her alongside prominent contemporary roots queens such as Hempress Sativa, Lila Iké, and Jah9.
